Mounting a Lion-Pedestal Shoulder Mount

Finished Mount

Originally the client wanted this lion to be a life-sized mount. It was collected in Tanzania. After over a year of waiting to have the skin shipped from Tanzania, when it arrived from the tannery, there was a lot of damage to the skin. It's not possible to say where the damage took place. Therefore, we decided to do a pedestal shoulder mount.  

The photos below show the process of creating the mount. 

Artificial jaws are fitted to the manikin.

Jaws reattached and ready to mount.

Eyes set in clay and we're ready to glue the manikin and slip on the skin.

Skin is folded back. Clay work is done on jaws and nose. 

There was some damage on the throat and brisket area, which was sewn before gluing down the skin. 

Pins are used to hold the skin in place until dry.

Our grandchildren always like to see what's going on in the shop. 

Grandaughters Sierra & Lily visited the shop while the lion mount was being created.